These workshops provide the ideal getaway for botany enthusiasts, gin lovers, families, and those interested in creating beautiful Christmas wreaths, weaving willow branches and arranging fresh flowers.
These workshops will help you create your own handcrafted décor that captures the rich colours and fragrances of the season.
Capture the splendour of winter at one of these eight workshops across Northern Ireland:
5. Willow Christmas Decorations Workshop in the Victorian Walled Garden, Helen's Bay, Bangor
Weave your own Christmas trees, reindeers, stars, bells and characters at this workshop taking place on December 7 from 10am at the Walled Garden in Helen’s Bay. Local willow artist Heather McDermott and her assistant Naomi will be providing expert knowledge on interweaving willows together to make decorative objects, with all materials required for the workshop being provided on the day. Tickets are £80 per person and include morning and afternoon tea/coffee and a delicious homemade lunch. For more information, go to thewalledgardenhelensbay.com/#whats-on Photo: Walled Garden Facebook
6. NICSSA’s Christmas Garland Making Class, Omagh
For some festive cheer, make beautiful Christmas garlands for your home, using fresh foliage, dried fruits and ribbons with Nikki, a trained expert who will be there to guide everyone through the process. Hosted by NICSSA on December 3 at 6:30pm inside The Cowshed, Omagh, this workshop includes a delicious spread of sandwiches, tea and baked foods. The Cowshed is an antique furniture store that hosts a variety of festive events from making Christmas wreaths to candle making and pottery and NICSSA members can step inside for the Garland Making workshop at a discounted rate of £40. For more information, go to nicssa.co.uk/christmas-garland-making-class Photo: The Cowshed's Facebook
7. Christmas Wreath Making Workshop at Hillsborough Castle & Gardens
Create your own handmade door wreath or table centrepiece using locally sourced foliage, pine cones, dried fruit and berries in this classy castle setting. Hillsborough Castle is historic and elegant, making it the perfect venue to enjoy a glass of mulled wine or tea alongside wreath making with Lorna Brownlee, a trained florist who is on-hand to share her layering and wreath-making techniques. All foliage for the wreath-making, from spruces to holly berries is also sourced from the Hillsborough Gardens, making this experience a true delight! For more information, go to hrp.org.uk/hillsborough-castle/christmas-wreath-making-workshop Photo: visitlisburncastlereagh.com
8. Luxury Christmas Wreath Workshop at the Rademon Estate Distillery, Crossgar, Co Down
Rademon Estate is home to Shortcross Gin and hosts a luxury wreath workshop with cocktails annually which sees the team transform their distillery into a creative space, using high quality foliage from the grounds as wreath making materials. Tracy is their skilled expert who will assist participants in making a solid wreath, with a delectable gin tasting session also being included on the day. This event will take place on November 29 at 7pm and December 1 at 2pm, but spots are filling up quickly for both days, so those who are interested are advised to hurry. For more information, go to rademonestatedistillery.com/events/shortcross-christmas-wreath-workshop Photo: shortcross gin instagram